Electrical Partners Alert

A number of compliance issues have arisen recently regarding supply configurations for Community Title Scheme developments.

This update is to ensure that external stakeholders are aware of key compliance issues when preparing CTS developments in electrical design and/or construction phases.

As per the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM), both Ergon Energy Network and Energex required 1 Service Line and 1 Meter Board position located in Common Property for most CTS developments. 

For full details on meter board location requirements for CTS developments, refer to clauses 5.3, 6.9.8, 6.9.9 and drawing QECM6.6.

Where a Community Title Scheme is designed so that each lot has community property that has been designated as exclusive use, they may apply under clause 5.5 for additional service lines where:

• they have road reserve access for each exclusive use area as per clause 5.3 (ii); and
• they have no common foundation or roofline such that they comply with clause 5.3 (iii).

As the energy transition gathers pace and more renewables are connected to the network, our job is to ensure the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) reflects changing customer needs, while we continue to provide a safe and reliable network. Our proposed amendments to the QECM also directly supports the delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QJEP).

A key focus is to continue to place customers at the core of what we do. Updating the QECM allows our technical requirements to evolve to support network access for our customers, a key objective of the QEJP, as they embrace new energy technologies. In addition to meeting future connection requirements, we’ve also made it a more user-friendly document.

Have Your Say!

We are seeking your feedback, as an industry stakeholder, on our plans to provide a new look framework and format to the QECM to better clarify and align with modern connection requirements, including dynamic connections.

Please review our new look draft Queensland Electricity and Connection Manual and provide your feedback via the link below.

In parallel with our new look QECM, the Competitive Metering Industry Group (CMIG) is seeking feedback on their new Metering Installation Requirements (MIRs) which will replace our Queensland Electricity Metering Manual (QEMM) as we move towards industry aligned metering requirements.

With the QECM and MIRs closely aligned, we would encourage you to also review and provide feedback on the MIRs to CMIG via the link below.

How to Provide Your Feedback

Please provide feedback on the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual and Metering Installation Requirements via our Talking Energy website. Copies of the QECM, MIRs and the respective Feedback Templates are also available on the Talking Energy website.

Consultation feedback closes Friday 14 July 2023.

Join Our Webinar

A briefing session will be held on both the draft QECM and the MIRs at 9:00am on Wednesday 28 June 2023. To register for the webinar, or if you have any questions on the QECM, please send an email to standardsfeedback@energyq.com.au

For any questions on the MIRs, please email CMIG’s representative paul.greenwood@vectormetering.com

Ergon Energy Network and Energex crews have recently observed an increase in instances where the Electrical Contractor requires metering to be removed (including controlled load tariffs); however, the Electrical Work Request (EWR) does not include a request for this additional service.

Please be reminded to select the additional service ‘Remove Meter’ on EWRs when meter removal is required, including for controlled load tariffs. This is to ensure the correct job can be dispatched to field crews for completion.

Submitting accurate EWR details ensures reduced re-work for Electrical Contractors, minimises the risk of delays and an enhanced experience for all parties.

Please note: there are no extra fees incurred by the customer for this type of additional service request.

For further information, please email:

• Energex: custserve@energex.com.au
• Ergon Energy Network: networkenquiries@ergon.com.au

Please be reminded of the importance of being familiar with the Ergon Energy and Energex Connection Policy and the applicable Standard prior to submitting an Embedded Generation application. To access copies of the Connection Policy or Standards, please visit:

• Connection Policy
  • Ergon Energy Network
  • Energex
• <30kVA
  • STNW1170
  • STNW1174
  • STNW3510
• >30kVA – 1500kVA
  • STNW1174
  • STNW3510

For further information, please email:

• Ergon Energy Network: ergongeneration@energyq.com.au
• Energex: energexgeneration@energyq.com.au

In accordance with section 6.16 of the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual (QECM) it is a requirement that all low voltage (LV) current transformer (CT) metering installation designs have prior approval of the proposed metering arrangement before any changes are made to the metering.

To appropriately action this please submit the LV CT Metering Advice Form located on the Ergon Energy Network and Energex websites:

• Ergon Energy Network LV CT Metering Advice Form
• Energex LV CT Metering Advice Form

The LV CT Metering Advice Form should be submitted as early as possible but must be before the switchboard is built, so as to allow for design modifications to be carried out if necessary. The submission must include the switchboard layout and single line diagram as attachments.

If this information is not provided in a timely manner (that is, with the electrical work request (EWR)), there may be delays to the expected energisation date.

Early submission of drawings will assist in reducing the time and costs for all parties and will help avoid late modifications being needed to the LV CT metering switchboards.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex staff have recently encountered electrical switchboard replacements where asbestos containing material (ACM) has been identified, but ACM waste has been left on site contrary to the recommended safe work procedures identified in the Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace. All suspected asbestos dust and debris (including what is generated during the job) must be removed and the site left in a clean and safe condition.

A copy of the Code of Practice and the safe work practice for removing electrical switchboards can be found on the following Queensland Government websites:

• Worksafe - How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace (Code of Practice 2021)
• Asbestos - Removing a small package electrical switchboard

Please be reminded that switchboards and associated components, particularly those constructed or imported before 1 January 2004, may contain ACM. Work health and safety legislation regulates the management, control and removal of asbestos in the workplace (including residential premises which are a ‘workplace’ when work is undertaken by a contractor). It is important that safe work procedures are in place when carrying out asbestos work or asbestos-related work. Failure to comply with the relevant work health and safety laws may amount to a breach that could be prosecuted.

Further information on the requirements, applicable code of practice and penalties that apply with respect to asbestos under the work health and safety laws can also be found on the Queensland Government Asbestos website.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex have recently observed an increase in instances where micro embedded generating unit (MEGU) systems are left switched on prior to the current metering being installed or reprogrammed.

Installers of grid connected MEGU systems (including solar PV systems) and Electrical Contractors are reminded that all MEGU systems should remain switched off until the required metering has been installed or reprogrammed to measure export energy.

Customers should also be reminded to speak with their installer and/or Electricity Retailer before switching on any MEGU systems to ensure it’s safe to do so and a compatible meter has been installed or reprogrammed. 
For any further information please contact:

• Ergon Energy Network: networkenquiries@ergon.com.au
• Energex: custserve@energex.com.au

The Emergency Backstop Mechanism was implemented on 6 February 2023, requiring all new and replacement inverter energy systems (rooftop solar PV), with total aggregated capacity of 10 kVA and above, to have a Generation Signalling Device (GSD) fitted. This emergency response option introduced for the market operator, supports stable grid operation when there is an emergency condition on the Queensland grid. The GSD receives a message that enables the inverter to be switched off.

Following the February implementation, we have been working with electrical contractors and industry participants to follow up on a couple of clarifications. In this industry alert we are providing a summary of the top frequently asked questions for installers with concerns regarding short-circuit protection.

Segregation and rating of the Extra Low Voltage GSD cabling:
There is no requirement to segregate the Extra Low Voltage (ELV) cables of the GSD, as each of cable’s insulation rating meets the highest voltage present in a LV switchboard. This is in compliance with Clause 3.9.8.3(b) of AS/NZS 3000.

NOTE: If you extend the extra low voltage (ELV) cable, please ensure you use identical rated cable.

Alternate GSD wiring options for additional short-circuit protection requirements:
The Emergency Backstop Mechanism Supplement to the QECM has been updated to include alternate wiring options for electrical installations where an electrical contractor or engineer has assessed a requirement for additional short-circuit protection for the GSD conductor.

For installations where the aggregate inverter capacity at the premises is greater than 30 kVA (those covered by STNW1174 and STNW3511) there is an additional requirement for the GSD to be installed in parallel with the protective device for the Grid Protection Relay to ensure fail safe operation of the GSD. 

Quick Facts:
What is Emergency Backstop? A mechanism where 10 kVA and above Inverter Energy Systems (IES) in Queensland, such as rooftop solar PV, have a GSD installed. When directed by AEMO (manages the Australian electricity system), in extreme situations as a last resort mechanism, this device allows us to switch off these inverters. This mechanism is similar technology to PeakSmart air-conditioning.

Why is it required? This mechanism is required to ensure the stability of the electricity grid during “Minimum System Load” events. These events occur when electricity supply (incl export from inverters) exceeds the demand for electricity, making the electricity grid unstable. AEMO have a myriad of tools to manage the balance between supply and demand, this Emergency Backstop mechanism is to be employed when all others have been used.

What is the start date of this requirement? This new requirement came into effect from 6 February 2023.

What is a GSD? A Generation Signalling Device (GSD) is a customer owned piece of electrical hardware, installed by the solar installer on the IES system, that receives a signal to control the inverter.

Who is impacted? New and Replacement systems 10 kVA and above will require a GSD to be installed. See the website links below for more specific details of various connection scenarios.

What are the installation requirements? Please see the QECM version 4 for further guidance on the installation and wiring requirements.

If you would like additional information, please contact emergencybackstop@energyq.com.au or click on the relevant link below:

• Ergon Energy Network - Emergency Backstop Mechanism
• Energex - Emergency Backstop Mechanism

When submitting enquiries or applications via our online portal please ensure you provide us with the correct customer details.

We acknowledge that in some circumstances, such as an initial connection, there will not be an existing retail account for the NMI. When you are submitting an enquiry or application for a NMI with an existing account please check customer details are correct by:

• Asking your customer for a copy of their electricity bill
• Verifying the customer details you submit in the portal are identical to the electricity bill.

This small check will ensure your enquiry or application progresses, doesn’t require resubmission, and improves timeframes for your customer.

When submitting enquiries or applications via our online portal please ensure you provide us with the correct customer details.

We acknowledge that in some circumstances, such as an initial connection, there will not be an existing retail account for the NMI. When you are submitting an enquiry or application for a NMI with an existing account please check customer details are correct by:

• Asking your customer for a copy of their electricity bill
• Verifying the customer details you submit in the portal are identical to the electricity bill.

This small check will ensure your enquiry or application progresses, doesn’t require resubmission, and improves timeframes for your customer.

Thank you for your partnership during emergency events to help customers reconnect to our network.

To build our organisation’s strong foundation in emergency event management we complete reviews after major events. In these reviews we identify what worked well and areas where we can improve for both our employees and our communities.

A key takeaway from the flooding events we experienced across the state last year was to improve the way we explain to customers what to do if they lose power due to storm damage, flooding, or inundation.

As you are an important link in the reconnection process, we would like to share with you an infographic we will use to explain this process and requirements to customers.

Please refer to our websites (see below links) for clear information for customers if their power goes out:

• Ergon Energy Network: Restoring your power
• Energex: Restoring your power

We want to let you know that the electricity low voltage supply limits have changed. A recent adoption of the international standard AS IEC 60038:2022 in December 2022 now specifies a range of 230 V ±10% phase-neutral and 400 V ±10% phase-phase.

Please keep in mind as we partner with you to resolve your customer’s issues that the minimum steady-state supply voltage under this new version of the standard is 207 V, down from 216 V specified in the previous version of the standard.